The Global Citizen Festival isn’t just about amazing music. We had a cadre of talented actors, celebrities, and more who help make major announcements and introduce heads of state, artists, and activists throughout the festival.
And this year’s hosts did so with poise, humor, and passion.
Here are the top moments from the hosts of this year’s Global Citizen Festival.
Chelsea Handler and Hugh Jackman Kick Off the Festival
After riding out on a tandem bicycle, hosts Chelsea Handler and Hugh Jackman began the fifth Global Citizen Festival on Saturday. Chelsea even performed a little rap to get things started.
Priyanka Chopra Is Pumped for Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai
Chopra couldn’t be more excited that the Global Citizen Festival is heading to her home country of India on Nov. 19 this year. She told the crowd on Saturday and shared with us on the red carpet why it’s so important to have a festival with impact in India.
“65 percent of our population is under the age of 25. India is one of the youngest countries in the world. Change is in our hands,” Chopra said.
Deborra-lee Furness Explains Why Dependence Is a Good Thing
Hosting for the second time — Deborra-lee Furness beamed onstage as she announced a new campaign from Hopeland, to ensure that children everywhere have a “safe, nurturing and permanent family.”
“Our philosophy is to see and experience the whole world as family,” said Deborra-Lee co-founder of Hopeland, before asking Global Citizens to sign on and support the Declaration of Dependence.
Mid-Festival Neil Patrick Harris Says 132M People Set To Be Reached
“Nice … $100 million dollar commitment for toilets. Aw shit!” said NPH before counting the number of lives set to be affected by the collective actions from the Global Citizen Festival. By the end of the festival, the lives of 199 million people are set to be reached thanks to the actions of Global Citizens, and resulting in 44 commitments made onstage this year.
Read More: How Global Citizen Festival 2016 Is Making the World a Better Place
Salma Hayek Pinault Gives Shocking Refugee Comparison
“Not one child in the United States would have a chance to go to school,” said Hayek Pinault in reference to the refugee crisis and its impact on children’s education. There are 80 million children displaced and out of school around the world, and 50 million kids in school in the U.S.
“Education isn’t a luxury,” chimed in Queen Rania of Jordan. Then she announced that the Education Cannot Wait Fund’s first disbursal of $42 million will be made in 2017, set to reach 1.5 million children over two years.
Check more of our favorite moments from the show here.
Read More: 5 Most Powerful Moments From the 2016 Global Citizen Festival